Kelly Faris Q&A

Leading up to the April 15 draft, WNBA.com will be posting Q&As with the draft invitees so they can introduce themselves to WNBA fans.

Faris is coming off a National Championship victory with UConn, her second national title in her career. A consummate team leader, Faris is highly respected by her teammates and opponents. She was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-BIG EAST Second Team this past season.

What three words best describe your game?
Unselfish, Consistent, Competitive

What strengths, qualities or skills will be able to bring to a WNBA team?
I want to be a team player and I am wiling to do anything a coach asks of me. I know how to accept the role of doing all the little things. That is what I pride myself in and I work hard to get those things done.

What do you expect to be some of the biggest challenges or adjustments at the next level?
With each new level the competition gets tougher and tougher. Players become smarter and stronger than they were in college. Just as I learned when I got to college, I will have to learn to adjust again in the WNBA.

Steve Slade/Connecticut Athletics

What specific skills do you need to work on in order to succeed at this level?
You have to become a strong player. Being tough with the ball and handling it well is key at this level. Any weakness you have, you have to make it a strength because weaknesses are exposed at this level.

When were you introduced to the game of basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was around 3 or 4 years old.

When did you know you wanted to be a professional basketball player? And, given that dream, when did you realize that you had a legitimate shot of doing so?
I started to dream about being in the WNBA when I was in middle school. It was not until my Junior year in college that it really hit me that I could potentially make it in the WNBA.

What do you think it will feel like when your name first gets called and who will you share the moment with?
That moment will be one I cherish for the rest of my life. I will remember all of the moments spent in the gym and how much time everyone around me gave up to help me reach my goal. I will share that moment with my parents and coaches and my family and teammates when I get to see them.

Once you get settled with a new team, do you have any first-year goals in mind?
I am determined to do whatever it takes to help my team. I was taught to be a team player and whatever my role will be, I will accept it as a challenge.

Are there any current WNBA players that you model your game after?
There are many great players in the WNBA. I do not know that there is one that I specifically model my game after, but I do know the heart and determination Maya Moore has and I strive to have that everyday on the court.

What WNBA players are you most looking forward to playing against or meeting?
I cannot wait to play against/with all of the past UConn players.

What is your best on-court moment?
The best on-court moment to date would be winning the National Championship and celebrating with my team on the court.

Tell your new fans something that most people do not know about you?
One of my favorite hobbies is eating! I love food!

How would you describe yourself? (i.e. outgoing, shy, silly, generous, life of the party)
I tend to be more on the quiet side.

What�s your favorite movie? What type of music do you listen to? Any particular artists that you listen to prior to a game?
My favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber. I love country music. My favorite is Tim McGraw. I listen to all types of music though.